nwla business montly - december 2012

Published By Specht Newspapers, Inc The Heartbeat of Northwest Louisiana Growth December 2012

Chamber Update Newsletter Inside

2 | December 2012 | BUSINESS MONTHLY

BUSINESS MONTHLY| December 2012 | 3

ON THE COVER YEAR IN REVIEW

What A Year!

3 The First WordSix Rights Great Leaders Give Up

4 On the Economic Development FrontAnatomy of A Deal

4 EmploymentOnline Resource Gives Job Seekers More Options

6 Marketing B-SIs Your 2013 Marketing Plan Ready, the Conclusion

6 Win-Win PowertoolsCentainties for the Year Ahead

12 TourismHoliday Festival Brings Family Fun

INSIDE

Volume 3, Number 9©Copyright 2012 by Specht Newspapers, Inc. All rights reserved. Business Monthly is published each month by SpechtNewspapers, Inc. at 4250 Viking Drive, Bossier City, LA 71111. Telephone (318) 747-7900. Information in this publication isgathered from sources considered to be reliable, but the accuracy and completeness of the information cannot be guaran-teed.

Business Is Moving Fast in NWLA...Here are 5 of the Top Stories ...Starting

on Page 4

CONTENTS

Be kind and compassionate to oneanother, forgiving each other, just asin Christ God forgave you. —Ephesians 4:32 NIV

Our Associate Pastorpreached a sermon recentlyon the rights of a Christian.He spoke about how we losesome of our perceived rightsthe more we try to live theChristian life.

As I was taking notes, Irealized these same rightsapplied to leaders. Here theyare, with their leadershipapplications.

1. The right to be a jerk. Noone really has the right to be a jerk.However, some people are given a“pass” because of their position, orlack of position in an organization.However, when the leader is a jerk,the ripple effects reach a lot farther.

2. The right to be right.Sometimes, we are right — deadright. It may be a political view or acustomer service issue, but leadersdo not have the right to just speaktheir mind.

We have to “count the cost” inhow we handle situations. Ouractions (and words) have conse-quences.

3. The right to criticize andcomplain. In the workplace, this iscalled gossip. Dave Ramsey definesgossip as discussing anything nega-tive with someone who can’t helpsolve the problem.

For leaders, this can include vent-ing to close subordinates or co-work-ers. All problems should be handledeither laterally or vertically.Anything else is unacceptable. If youneed to vent, do it with a non-workfriend or your spouse.

4. The right to justify youractions based on who you are.This is one of the most difficult forleaders. They deal with pressuresthat many team members have noclue about. However, just because

you are under pressure does not giveyou the right to fly off the handle atthe drop of a hat. Nor does it giveyou the right to treat others as if

they were somehow inferior.5. The right to be late. Chronic

tardiness to scheduled meetings andevents is one of the most selfishthings a leader can do. This actionscreams, “My time is more valuablethan yours!.” Chronic lateness is aslap in the face to every member ofyour team. In addition, it erodes anyaccountability for your team’spromptness.

6. The right to not care aboutpeople. True leaders realize theirteams are more than the skills theybring to the job at hand. They arehusbands, wives, families and others— all relying on the organization fortheir livelihood. They are not num-bers on a financial statement. Theyare people and every decision shouldhave them as one of the — if notTHE — highest priorities.

The same is true for customersand clients. If we lose sight of themas people, we lose our business.

The higher up you rise in leader-ship, the less rights you have, butthe satisfaction and difference youcan make as a result it well worth it.

DAVID SPECHT JR. is vice president of SpechtNewspapers, Inc. Read his blog about leadershipat www.DavidASpecht.com He may be reached viaemail at [email protected].

DAVID SPECHT JR.

Opinion

Six Rights GreatLeaders Give Up

PERSPECTIVE THE FIRST WORD


FEATURE YEAR IN REVIEW

BY SEAN GREENIt was another busy year

for northwest Louisiana’seconomy as the area contin-ued to buck the national trendof business slowing down.

Among the myriad of newrestaurants and retailersopening their doors, NWLAsaw a major coup in attract-ing a European manufacturerto reloacte to the Port ofCaddo/Bossier and a new casi-no began adding itself to theShreveport-Bossier skyline.

Below are our top 5 localbusiness/economic stories ofthe past year:

1. Benteler Steelannounces a new facilityat Port, $22 mill trainingfacility at BPCC

The Port of Caddo/Bossierhas attracted one of thelargest manufacturing proj-ects in northwest Louisiana’shistory Oct. 26 with a $900-million, 1.35million squarefeet, two-phaseB e n t e l e rS t e e l / T u b efacility.

The seam-less steel tube and steel millswill bring 675 new jobs to thearea.

To secure the project,Louisiana EconomicDevelopment offered Bentelera customized incentive pack-age including the develop-ment of a new training facilityand specialized equipmentfocused on manufacturingtechnology to be built on thecampus of BPCC.

“We at Bossier ParishCommunity College takepride in delivering programsthat meet the needs of theseemployers and provide ourcitizens pathways to reward-ing careers,” Bossier Parish

Community CollegeChancellor Jim Hendersonsaid.

An economic-impact analy-sis performed by LouisianaState University estimatesthat the project will lead tothe creation of approximately1,540 new indirect jobs andnew earnings of $2.7 billion.

Benteler will begin con-struction of the first phase ofthe plant in 2013, creatingmore than 1,000 constructionjobs. The first tubular millphase of Benteler’sShreveport complex is expect-ed to be completed in the sec-ond half of 2015, followed bythe opening of a steel produc-tion mill within the next fouryears.

2. Margaritaville breaksground on $197 millionresort casino

The new MargaritavilleResort Casino in Bossier Citybroke ground late Februaryand had its official toppingceremony less than ninemonths later.

“We can’twait to get all ofthis fun out tothe public,”W i l l i a mTrotter, co-manager ofBossier Casino Venture, thecompany developingMargaritaville, said.

As reported previously bythe Bossier Press-Tribune, theresort will feature a 30,000square foot, single-level gam-ing floor, 1,300 slot machinesand 46 table games as well asthe famous “It’s 5 O’ClockSomewhere” bar. The 18-story hotel will have a 396-room capacity, a 900-seatstate of the art entertainmentvenue, spa and fitness center,outdoor pool deck and diningarea, dramatic landscaping

and four food & beverage out-lets.

Construction is reported tolast approximately 16 monthsand the expected grand open-ing will be in June 2013.

3. Bossier school taxpassage allows for growth

Voters approved a 10-yearbond that would renew thecurrent 13.55 mills for theconstruction and renovationof schools over a 10-year peri-od in an April21 vote.However, theyturned downtwo new taxes –a five percentpay raise forschool employees at 9.25 millsand a $3 million recurringtechnology fund at 3.6 mills.

4. Movie industryreturns to Shreveport-Bossier

The Louisiana film indus-try ramped back up this sum-mer as big name action starGerard Butler filmed hisnewest flick “Olympus HasFallen.”

The Shreveport-Bossierfilm commission was busywith the Millenium Filmsaction thriller that beganfilming in June.

The film caused quite a stirin Bossier City as construc-tion crews built a 220-by-55foot replica of the WhiteHouse on Walker Place. Thefull sized,t h r e e - s i d e dprop house willbe located in afield next to theCenturyLinkCenter in fullview of theArthur Ray Teague Parkway.

Arlene Acree, Shreveportprojects and film liaison, alsosaid Louisiana is moving upin rank in the film industry.

“Productions are reallystarting to pick up,” she said.“We have three projects in theworks and hope to have morein the latter part of the sum-mer.”

5. Local economy keepsgrowing despite nationaltrend of caution.

Everywhere you look inBossier it seems that businessis growing.

“From 2011 to this time in2012 we have seen markedinterest in activity (in BossierCity),” said David “Rocky”Rockett, executive directorand president of the GreaterBossier Economic

Development Foundation(GBEDF).

Rockett said there is con-tinued growth in populationand housing, and he believesprospective businesses wantto take advantage of thatdemographic.

“The market went througha lull throughmuch of 2011,but we haveseen a rise inactivity in 2012both with com-mercial and

retail interest,” he said.Louisiana’s economy as a

whole is also gearing up.Louisiana has progressedfrom the 27th ranked state to13th in a year. Moreover,CEOs nationwide namedLouisiana “most improvedstate for business in the U.S.,”according to 2012 ChiefExecutive Magazine’sBest/Worst States for busi-ness ranking.

Rockett said the economicoutlook for Bossier City lookspositive as long as the marketcooperates.

“As long as the marketstays strong and the nationaleconomy lends itself to easierlending, then I think you’llcontinue to see uptake in theeconomy,” he said. “If lendingtightens up like it did in therecession a few years ago, Ithink you will see people hold-ing their money.”

SEAN GREEN is managing editor of theBossier Press-Tribune and a contributor toBusiness Monthly.

A Look Back at 2012 in Business


The recruitment of German-basedBenteler Steel/Tube to NorthLouisiana represents the largest eco-nomic development deal in theregion’s history. Benteler will build atwo-phase steel mill at thePort of Caddo-Bossier, whichwill create 675 new directjobs and 1,540 indirect jobs.The $900 million projectstands as a testament towhat can be achieved withregionalism and collabora-tion.

The concept of regional-ism – working across politi-cal and geographic bound-aries for the greater good–ultimately pays off forevery community in NorthLouisiana. The ripple effect of thisproject will reverberate across theregion, as Benteler hires suppliers,vendors and employees from aroundNorth Louisiana and beyond. An eco-nomic impact study conducted byLouisiana State University estimatesthat the project will result in totalnew earnings of $2.7 billion (approxi-mately $150 million per year at fullemployment) and a total, cumulativeeconomic impact of $16.2 billion inthe region.

Benteler selected North Louisianaafter a highly competitive site selec-tion search, involving more than a100 different potential sites in morethan a dozen states. Teamwork atevery phase of the site selectionprocess helped us to win this project.During the initial information-gath-ering stage, North LouisianaEconomic Partnership (NLEP)worked with the State’s lead econom-ic development agency, LouisianaEconomic Development (LED), andlocal partners, such as the Port ofCaddo-Bossier, to provide extensiveinformation on the region and avail-able sites. As the process moved for-ward, state, regional and local eco-nomic development organizationsand business and political leaders col-laborated during prospect visits,when company representativestoured the area.

Finally to secure the deal, LEDoffered Benteler a customized incen-tive package that includes perform-ance-based grants totaling $57.4 mil-lion to reimburse site development,infrastructure and equipment costsincurred by the Port and the compa-ny over the next few years of con-

struction and operations. The incen-tive package also includes a perform-ance-based grant of $12.75 million toreimburse certain relocation andinternal training expenses. In addi-

tion, Benteler will receive the servic-es of LED FastStart™ – ranked theNo. 1 state workforce-training pro-gram in the nation. The company alsois expected to utilize Louisiana’sQuality Jobs and Industrial TaxExemption incentive programs.

Additionally, the State will helpdevelop a new $22 million trainingfacility focused on manufacturingtechnology to be built on the campusof the Bossier Parish CommunityCollege (BPCC). The training centerwill initially concentrate on meetingthe workforce training needs ofBenteler but later will serve thebroader needs of growing manufac-turers throughout the region.

Local partners contributed towardsecuring the deal. The Red RiverWaterway Commission will invest $6million; the Port will contribute $3million; and the Caddo ParishCommission will contribute $2.6 mil-lion- all for required infrastructureimprovements at the Port. TheGreater Bossier EconomicDevelopment Foundation, the City ofBossier City and the Bossier ParishPolice Jury will contribute a com-bined $1 million toward road andother infrastructure improvementsneeded for the new training center atBPCC. By working together andleveraging our collectively resources,state, regional and local partners wonan historic deal which will pay divi-dends for all of North Louisiana.

CHRISTINE RAMBO is the Vice President ofCommunications and Corporate Affairs for NLEP, aregional economic development marketing organiza-tion. Send comments to [email protected].

PERSPECTIVE ON THE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT FRONT

CHRISTINE RAMBO

Opinion

Anatomy of a Deal:Benteler Steel/Tube

According to the LouisianaWorkforce Commission, the unem-ployment rate in Louisiana fell to 6.6%in October, the lowest level in threeyears. For the Shreveport metro area,that rate was 6.5%. Bothrates are lower than thenational level at 7.5%. Whilethat is an encouraging bit ofnews as we enter the holidayseason in earnest, it brings lit-tle comfort to that 6.5% oflocal job seekers still looking.

Searching for a fulfillingcareer, or even a starter job, iswork. It takes perseverance,creativity, an incredibleamount of patience, and theability to self-promote, some-thing very difficult for mostpeople. To assist the local job seeker,there is a renewed online resourcecalled the North LouisianaEmployment Opportunities Network,or NEON. It can be found online atwww.workthisway.org and onFacebook and LinkedIn. NEON is aprogram of the North LouisianaEconomic Partnership.

NEON’s goal is to help job seekersin North Louisiana, whether they arenew or long-time residents go abouttheir career exploration process assmartly as possible. In NorthwestLouisiana communities, the best wayto make meaningful career headway isthrough expanding your network. Afrequent criticism of job seekers inNorthwest Louisiana is that you haveto know someone to find a good jobhere. The implication is that you musthave family connections, or be of a cer-tain social strata. But making profes-sional connections by being proactive –and sincere – in your efforts to expandyour network is really all that argu-ment has to mean. In general, peoplein our communities like helping oth-ers, but first they have to know youand know you need help. That’s wherenetworking comes in.

NEON can help job seekers expandtheir professional networks. There isa calendar of upcoming events thatwill put you in the company of othersin your profession or regional employ-ers. There is a listing of professionaland civic organizations that are oftenthe best places to grow your network,especially if you are starting yourcareer or are new to the area. Foryoung professionals, the YoungProfessional Initiative of NorthwestLouisiana (YPI) is a fantastic network-ing resource and hosts monthly socials

as well as regular athletic groupevents. NEON can help you find theright group for you.

NEON is also a clearinghouse forimportant job seeking resources, such

as links to staffing agencies and onlinejob sites that focus on the region.NEON also keeps job seekers aware ofimportant regional economic and busi-ness news, as well as new hiringopportunities. And especially for jobseekers that are new to the area,NEON shares profiles of regionalemployers, where companies talkabout what they do, their corporateculture, and what the ideal candidatefor their company looks like.

For those interested in starting abusiness, NEON has a resource centerfocused on connecting the future orexisting small business owner to toolsto make the start-up or growth processrun smoothly.

And for job seekers that are new tothe area, NEON provides a greatoverview of all that a newcomer wouldwant to know for getting a single per-son or a family plugged in, from arts,culture and recreation outlets to edu-cation and health care resources.

Job seekers can be alerted toupdates to the NEON website by sign-ing up for the NEON newsletter or byfollowing NEON on Facebook or join-ing the NEON LinkedIn Group.

All of these resources exist to makelocal job seekers more competitive andultimately more successful in their jobsearches so we can keep that regionalunemployment rate on a downwardtrend.

The staff of the North LouisianaEconomic Partnership wishes youhappy holidays and successful jobhunting!

ANGIE WHITE is Vice President of Workforce Marketing atthe North Louisiana Economic Partnership.

PERSPECTIVE EMPLOYMENT

Online Resource GivesJob Seekers More Options

ANGIE WHITE

Opinion


The spirit, the will to win, and the will to excel arethe things that endur. These qualities are somuch more important than the events that occur.“Vince Lombardi, Legendary Head Football Coach of the

the Green Bay Packers.

In last month’s column, we begandiscussing ten specific elements thatshould be considered as a part of your2013 marketing plan. We were onlyable to get through three of the ten ele-ments. Now, we will continue:

4. Social Media: PublicRelations in today’s environmentcan be considered as anythingthat you do to promote your com-pany or your brand that is notdone through an online compo-nent. Thus, Social Media can beconsidered online PublicRelations. Though new in termsof the traditional marketing mix,this component can definitely bea powerful medium that canhelp you reach your target mar-ket on an entirely different level.

5. Content Marketing: You musthave something to say to your audience.If you have nothing to say, who is goingto listen? You can accomplish this byusing press releases, blogs, articles,blurbs, announcements, etc. By makingthese items a part of your strategy, youwill be able to make sure that you haverelevant content for your audience.

6. Public Relations: Again, any-thing that you do to promote your com-pany or your brand that is not donethrough an online (computer based)component. As such, Public Relations isan extremely reliable method of gettingyour company and brand in front ofyour target audience. Using newspaper,radio, television, magazines and out-door advertising (traditional marketingmix) to get your company and brand outthere is a great marketing strategy.Once again, this is an extremely reliableand effective method that will reachyour target audience with your mes-sage.

7. Video Marketing: Engage youraudience by using video. The popularityof websites such as You Tube and oth-ers definitely prove this statement to betrue. There are many companies inexistence that offer cost-effective solu-tions for using video as a part of yourmarketing strategy. Some people areeven taking advantage of today’sadvanced electronic technology (and rel-atively low costs by traditional stan-dards) by purchasing just a few pieces ofvideo equipment and shooting video forYou Tube, etc. themselves.

8. Contests and Promotions:

Elements such as these are great trafficbuilders. They can drive traffic to yourcompany’s place of business, website,etc. However, be very careful not tooveruse or abuse these very importantaspects of your marketing mix. If you

overuse these elements, they will losetheir effectiveness.

9. Podcasts: People tend to thinkthat this element is just for the “BigGuys” or popular celebrity type spokes-people. However, this is not so. With thedevelopment of sites and tools such asiTunes and BlogTalkRadio ….this is notsome far-fetched idea that is out of yourreach. In fact, this is quite simple to doand can be very effective.

10. Events: Hosting an event canbe a great traffic builder in terms ofdrawing your customers in to your placeof business. This is really effective whenyou have a new product line to promote,a new message, or new service to deliv-er. When using this element, make surethat you make it very cost effective andefficient.

In conclusion, the ten essential mar-keting plan elements that we haveexamined are definitely not an all-inclu-sive list of the many things to be consid-ered as a part of your marketing plan.You can (and probably will) add somethings on your own that are specific toyour particular business or industry.However, the ten elements that wehave explored should definitely beimplemented into your marketing plan,if at all possible. By doing so, you will bewell on your way to insuring a success-ful 2013 (and beyond) in terms of yourcompany’s marketing goals.

RANDY BROWN. is Advertising Manager of the BossierPress-Tribune and a 11-year veteran of marketing andmedia in Northwest Louisiana. He may be reached viaemail at [email protected].

RANDY E. BROWN

Opinion

Your 2013 MarketingPlan, The Conclusion

PERSPECTIVE MARKETING B-S (BOSSIER-SHREVEPORT)

Several years ago, I wrote an arti-cle about the “Self-FulfillingProphecy” in business. If we believebusiness is going to be bad and con-duct ourselves like it is going to bebad, surely, it will be bad andthus, our prophecy is fulfilled.Hurray! I frequently ask myclients what is your prophecy?Which way are you going tothink? Which way are you act-ing and running your business?

I take a weekly Radio e-letter(that was my first career) enti-tled the Small Market RadioNewsletter. I recommendSMRN to everyone regardless ofthe size of your market orwhether you are in Radio.(www.SmallMarketRadio.com )Remember now, selling isselling…regardless of your product orservice! One edition featured aninspiring article by Bob Doll andincluded a list entitled “Certainties ofthe Year to Come”. It was sent to Bobby Steve Trivers back in 1987 afterthe big stock market loss that October.Despite the dates, presidents, con-gress and fiscal cliffs, not much haschanged. It’s still up to you and yourattitude.

n Business will continue to gowhere it’s invited and remain whereit’s appreciated

n Reputations will continue to bemade by many acts and lost by one

n People will go right on preferringto do business with friends

nPerformance will continue to out-sell promises

n Trust, not tricks, will keep cus-tomers loyal

n The extra mile will have no traf-

fic jamsnEnthusiasm will be as contagious

as evern Know-how will surpass guess-

how

n Salesmanship will continue tomake everything turn

I have a Republican friend whoworked in the Republican campaign.After the election, despite being disap-pointed in the results, he resolved toadjust, move forward and continue tobuild his business.

How will you start each day of2013? Will you be like many whowhen I ask “How are you?” respondwith “I’m great….but it’s still early.”

JERRY FRENTRESS — Speaker & Coach, Win-WinPower(ful) Tools for Sales, Service and EmployeeInterviewing. Website: www.WinWinPowerTools.com.

Business Facebook:www.Facebook.com/WinWinPowerTools . 742-0009 /Bossier City

PERSPECTIVE WIN WIN POWER TOOLS

JERRY FRENTRESS

Opinion

Certaintiesof the Year Ahead


After 13 years, the annual BentonChristmas on the Square Festival isn’tjust a holiday tradition for area festi-val-goers. It’s a treat for the townitself.

“Over the years, the festivaland parade have grown and it’sjust a joyous time for a lot of peo-ple to get together and celebratethe season and the reason for theseason,” Benton Mayor WayneCathcart said.

Last year’s event drew in asmany as 3,000 people, nearlydouble the turnout from 2010,festival organizers said. Thisyear’s festivities kick off 10 a.m.to 5 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 8, indowntown Benton’s Heritage VillageSquare with the theme, A Kid’sChristmas.

For the past four years, the eventhas been hosted by the Town ofBenton Festival Committee headed byfestival chairwoman Dawn Bushnell.

“We meet throughout the year toplan for this event and make it biggerand better so thatmore people comeout, celebrateChristmas and havegood family time,”said Jan Tooke, thefestival’s vendor con-tact.

This year’s specialguest is SciPort:Louisiana’s ScienceCenter, which willfeature Yertle the Turtle, SillySnakes, Slime and Be a Conductoralong with archery, BB gun shooting,wildlife, the Cypress Zoo, a rock climb-ing wall and more.

The festival will also feature a vari-ety of vendors, from throughout thestate as well as Texas, Arkansas andMississippi. In addition there will becontests, the Dash Around the Square5K run, photo opportunities withSanta and Mrs. Claus, Santa’s LittleRed Wagon Parade, live entertain-ment and more.

The festival’s popular ChristmasParade, presented by the Rotary Clubof Benton, starts at 3 p.m. at HeritageVillage Square on Sibley Street indowntown Benton, rain or shine.

Shreveport-Bossier Convention andTourist Bureau Executive Director

Stacy Brown, who rode in the paradelast year, says everyone is sure to havea good time. “It’s a great quality of lifeevent for local residents as well as out-

side visitors… It’s very family-orient-ed and a great time for casual familyfun,” she said.

The Annual Benton Christmas onthe Square Festival and Parade is partof north central Louisiana’s HolidayTrail of Lights, a guide to holidayevents, shopping, gaming, festivals,parades and more in Shreveport-

Bossier, Minden,Monroe, WestM o n r o e ,Natchitoches,Alexandria andPineville.

Free parkingand shuttle serv-ice will be avail-able with busesrunning from9:30 a.m. until 6

p.m. Visit their website at www.ben-tonchristmasonthesquare.com formore details, vendor and paradeforms. Call (318) 230-6956 for paradeinformation.

Stay up to date with events inShreveport-Bossier and its HolidayTrail of Lights partners by visitingonline atwww.HolidayTrailofLights.com or onFacebook atwww.facebookcom/HolidayTrailofLights. Also visitwww.ShreveportBossierFunGuide.com for all event happenings inShreveport-Bossier.

DONECIA PEA works with media relations at theShreveport-Bossier Convention and Tourist Bureau.

PERSPECTIVE TOURISM

DONECIA PEA

Opinion

Holiday Festival BringsFamily Fun

Now that 2012 is drawing to aclose, you may want to review theprogress you’ve made this past yearin many areas of your life — includ-ing your financial situation. By goingover your investment port-folio and other key areasrelated to your finances, youcan learn what moves youmay need to make in 2013to stay on track toward yourimportant objectives, suchas college for your children,a comfortable retirementand the ability to leave thetype of legacy you desire.

To get a clear picture ofwhere you are, considerasking yourself these ques-tions:

Am I taking on too much risk?Although 2012 has generally been apretty good year for investors, we’vecertainly seen periods of considerablevolatility. During these times, didyou find yourself constantly frettingabout big drops in your portfoliovalue? In fact, have you consistentlyexperienced this type of worrythroughout your years as aninvestor? If so, you might be takingon too much risk for your individualrisk tolerance. Review your holdingsto determine if you can lower yourrisk level without jeopardizing youroverall investment strategy.

Am I investing too conservatively?Just as you can take on too muchinvestment risk, you can also go tothe other extreme by investing tooconservatively. If your portfolio con-tains a preponderance of invest-ments that offer significant preserva-tion of principal but very little in theway of growth potential, you may beendangering your chances of accu-mulating the resources you’ll need toachieve your long-term goals.

Am I contributing as much as Ican afford to my retirement plans? Ifyou have access to an employer-spon-sored retirement plan, such as a401(k), 403(b) or 457(b), consideryourself fortunate. Your plan has thepotential to grow on a tax-deferredbasis, and you typically contributepre-tax dollars — the more you putin, the lower your annual taxableincome. Plus, your employer maymatch part of your contributions. Soif you’ve been under-funding your

retirement plan, ratchet up yourfunding in 2013. At the same time,you may still be eligible to contributeto an IRA; if so, try to “max out” on it.A traditional IRA grows tax deferred

while a Roth IRA can grow tax free,provided you meet certain conditions.

Am I adequately protecting myincome — and my family? Over time,you’ll experience many changes inyour life — marriage, children, newjob, new home, etc. Most, if not all, ofthese changes will require you tomake sure you have adequate lifeinsurance in place to help guard yourfamily’s future, should anything hap-pen to you. Furthermore, to helpreplace your income should youbecome disabled, you may well needto purchase an adequate amount ofdisability income insurance.

Do I need professional help? Asthe above questions indicate, main-taining control of your financial situ-ation can be challenging — especial-ly if you try to do it all on your own.You might benefit from working witha financial professional — someonewho can analyze your situation objec-tively and make recommendationsbased on your risk tolerance, timehorizon and specific goals.

Before the clock runs out on 2012,take the time to ask yourself theabove questions. The answers maywell spur you to take positive actionin 2013.

WIL ADAMS is a financial advisor with Edward Jones.He can be reached at (318) 549-9155.

PERSPECTIVE FINANCIAL FOCUS

WIL ADAMS

Opinion

Time for a Year-End Reviewof Your Financial Strategy?


FROM THE CHAMBERCan you believe it? We’re closing out another

great year and it seems like the time has flownby without warning.Time truly does fly whenyou’re having fun, andthe Bossier Chamber hasbeen busy the last 12months.

We’ve been tackling thegoals we made inDecember of last yearand making new goals for2013, continually keepingyou, our investor, in mindand coming up with bet-ter ways to serve you andyour business.

This year, the Bossier Chamber has madegreat strides in areas of advocacy, education andinvestor relations. We will continue the momen-tum into 2013 and hope you’ll let us continue toserve your business needs!

LISA JOHNSONPRESIDENT/CEO

CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

Bossier Chamber Update IsProduced On A QuarterlyBasis in Partnership withNWLA Business Monthly.

Chamber Update

For years, the BossierChamber of Commerce haspresented a night of ele-gance and sophisticationwith its Night of Stars

Annual Meeting and Gala. In 2013,the Chamber is changing the tempoand looking forward to a night ofdecadence at the Mardi-Gras themedAnnual Gala, complete with masquer-ades, beads and the top leaders in thebusiness community.

The Annual Gala serves as a timeto reflect on the year and reveal thevision for the next 12 months. KaraLowrie, 2012 Chairman of the Board,will pass the reigns to the incomingChairman, Jason Smith. The outgo-ing and incoming Board of Directorswill be recognized, and guests willreceive the 2012 Annual Report, withthe 2013 Program of Work.

2012 has been a banner year forthe Chamber. Members had a regis-tered lobbyist advocating for businessissues in Baton Rouge during the leg-islative session, and the Chambertook a position on various bills withpriorities in education, economicdevelopment, tourism, and veterans’affairs. In addition, the Chamberpartnered with the Military ChildEducation Coalition and sponsoredthe membership of Bossier Schools.With the help of community partners,a Military Student TransitionConsultant was embedded in theBossier Parish School Board to helptransitioning students and families.In keeping with Military tradition,the Bossier Chamber designed andprinted the first military challengecoin for the Chamber, which willbegin circulating in 2013. The

Chamber has kept members informedon events and news with a new stateof the art website and the staff isenjoying a newly remodeled building.

The accolades of the Chamber andof its members will be hailed at theAnnual Gala, and awards will begiven for Business of the Year,Business Person of the Year, NewMember of the Year, MilitaryRelations Supporter of the Year,Media Partner of the Year, Diplomatof the Year and more.

Sponsorships are available for thissignature event, ranging from $500 to$6,000. The 2013 Annual Meeting andGala is Tuesday, January 22 at 7pmat the CenturyLink Center. TheExclusive VIP Chairman’s Receptionbegins at 6pm. Individual tickets canbe purchased for $40. To be includedon invitation, sponsorships must bepurchased by December 14th.

Laissez le bon temps rouler! Formore information on the 2013 Gala,please contact Jana Morgan at 318-746-0252 [email protected].

The Good Times Will Roll atthe Chamber Annual Gala

It’s the time of year when westart making our New Year’sResolutions and trying to createa plan that will stick with us forthe year. Getting in shape usu-ally finds its way onto most peo-

ple’s resolution list and the BossierChamber has a plan for those of youlooking to tighten up the waist line.

The Tie’n Up Business 5k and 10k isthe first race hosted by the BossierChamber and will take place March 9,2013. Although the Bossier-Shreveportarea is home to an enthusiastic runningcommunity, we know there are manypeople who aren’t avid runners andmay not know how to start training fora 3.1 mile run. In preparation for Tie’n

Up Business,we’ve cre-

ated theHolidayto 5ktrainingplan to

help youshake off

the holi-day

calories and hit the asphalt. “Coach Chairman” Jason Smith,

2013 Chairman of the Board, is leadingthe effort and will be motivating run-ners through e-mails with inspirationand tips. The training plan begins inthe New Year, but we’ve also created aplan for those who wish to start build-ing their mileage now.

To sign up for e-mails from “CoachChairman,” please [email protected] andrequest to be added to the Holiday to 5klist. The training plan can also be

found at bossierchamber.com.


NEWS BOSSIER CHAMBER UPDATE

“The Challenge”Holiday to 5K


NEWS BOSSIER CHAMBER UPDATE

New Chamber Members(07/19/2012 to 11/19/2012)

North American Lending Paula Powell

7330 Fern Ave, Suite 303 Shreveport LA 71115

Send Out Cards Kandy McEachern 623 Ibis Court

Bossier City LA 71115

Ristorante Giuseppe Natalie Brucia

4800 Line Avenue Shreveport LA 71105

KSA Alliance, Inc Mitch Fortner

1111 Hawn Avenue Shreveport LA 711

Efficient Energy Lighting Steve Panepinto

2415 Montgomery Lane Bossier City LA 71111

Military Child EducationCoalition

Georgette Price 2500 Viking Drive


LA Glass Ken Stephenson 2111 Benton Road Bossier City LA 71111

Pawtastic Grooming Jessica Loftin

1122 Villaggio Blvd Bossier City LA 71111

Louisiana Film Prize Kathy Melancon


Gowaiter Seth Manly

2529 East 70th Suite 123 Shreveport LA 71105

Command Labor Linda Welborn

1513 Line Ave. Suite 234 Shreveport LA 71101

Kyle Allen Insurance Kyle Allen


Confidential Checks David Boudreaux

10070 Mooringsport-Latex Rd Mooringsport LA 71060

U.S. Chamber of Commerce Marady Leary

1615 H Street Northwest Washington DC 20062

Community Trust Bank Grace Smith 308 Market St

Shreveport LA 711051

Hilton Shreveport Mike Green

ATTN: Accounts Payable Shreveport LA 71101

Teri Flash Creative Teri Flash

901 Tatum Street Shreveport LA 71107

09/0112012 Lott Oil Company Mike Howard

3510 Industrial Drive Bossier City LA 71112

Sweet Lou Media Tony Taglavore 127 Presidio Lane Shreveport LA 71105

Spartan Realty Sherry Staph Tolisano

1800 Jimmie Davis Hwy, SteC


Albertson's Michael Havard 3121 E. Texas

Bossier City LA 711

Polaris Services, LLC Randall Noble

3602 North Market Street Shreveport LA 71107

Burke & Burke Insurance Connor Burke

5925 Line Ave, Suite 2 Shreveport LA 71106

Fun Flicks Outdoor Movies Shawn Sanders


Shelter Insurance Agency Sam Black

1126 Villagio Blvd Bossier City LA 71111

SporTran Shreveport TransitManagement

Valerie McElhose 1115 Jack Wells Blvd Shreveport LA 71107

Le Rivage of Bossier, LLC Jeff Lowe

2020 Valley View Circle Bossier City LA 71111

Signature Designs ItalianPlastering & PaintingPatricia Stanislas 4855 Airline Drive


Moretti's Gourmet Popcorn &Sweets

Robert Moretti AAFES Sweet Shoppe BX

Mall Barksdale AFB LA 71110

Reserve of Bossier City, The Julie Rexroad

4855 Airline Drive Bossier City LA 71111

Santa Fe Cattle Company John Rudock


Tatters Creek Embroidery James Broden 850 Fuller Rd Minden LA 711

Carlisle- Etcetera, LLC Shelly Spence

204 Magnolia Crossing Bossier City LA 71111

Brothers Seafood Orlando Chapman 1129 Villaggio Blvd Bossier City LA 71111

EI Polio Regio Adriana Santayo 2035 Airline Drive


Landing at Willow Bayou Rebecca Scott 2940 Le Oaks


ORR Nissan Tammie Lebleu 2323 Viking Drive


Quality Transport Greg Morrison

5500 Commerce Drive Bossier City LA 71111

Auntie Anne's Pretzels Roger Parikh


Louisiana Lions Eye Bank Denise Odom 721 Boulevard

Shreveport LA 71104

N'Cognitos Erica McDonald

1830 Old Minden Road Bossier City LA 71111

Bossier ParishCommunicationsDistrict 9-11 Tracy Hilburn

4601 Palmetto Rd Benton LA 71106

Che'Bella Day Spa Lisa Turner

4719 Palmetto Road Benton LA 71006

Christ Fit Gym William Weatherall 1658 Benton Road Bossier City LA 71111

Gator Ceramincs Company,LLC

Jaime Bartley 1341 Airline Drive


Lokea, Inc. Evan Smith

5450 Barksdale Blvd, Suite500


Cell Phone Solutions Bonnie Lee

2934 East Texas St. Suite 101 Bossier City LA 71111

Federated Mutual InsuranceCo.

Matthew Graves 2710 Caplis Sligo Plantation

Drive Bossier City LA 71112

iArchitecture Jeff Spikes

719 Common Street Shreveport LA 71101

Meredith Hamrick Events,LLC

Meredith Hamrick 2150 Airline Drive, Suite 200 Bossier City LA 71111

Discovery Toys Victoria Rigley

2413 Princeton St. Barksdale AFB LA 71110

Shreveport ConventionCenter

Sam Voisin 400 Caddo Street

Shreveport LA 71166-1774

WhoStood Outin 2012?

The Bossier Chamber ofCommerce is currently acceptingnominations for the 2012 Businessand Business Person of the Year.Each year, the Chamber recog-nizes the business community andthose that went above and beyondin areas of leadership, growth andinvolvement. The honor ofBusiness and Business Person ofthe Year is reserved for those thatare dedicated not only to theircompany, but to making an impacthere in their backyard.

The 2011 Business Person ofthe Year was awarded toChancellor Jim Henderson fromBossier Parish CommunityCollege. Chancellor Henderson isa model for any community leaderand is involved in a variety of com-munity initiatives including theRobinson Film Center and UnitedWay, and also serves on the Boardof Directors for the BossierChamber. Holiday Lanes tookhome the Business of the Yearaward in 2011 for their communi-ty service, school partnerships andoutreach programs, which aremaking an immeasurable impacton the area.

Each year, the nominees onlyscratch the surface of the out-standing businesses and profes-sionals in the community. As theChamber prepares for the 2012Gala, they’re looking to their com-munity for input on those thatdeserve such an honor. The 2012Award Recipients will beannounced at the BossierChamber’s Annual Meeting andGala on January 22nd at theCenturyLink Center.Nominations can be submittedthrough www.bossierchamber.comand must be received by December3rd. To be considered, nomineesmust be members of the BossierChamber of Commerce.

nwla business montly - december 2012

Documents

right deadright

true leaders

wordsix rights great

cover year

specht newspapers

job seekers

orlack of position

conclusion6 win